A North-West law firm has welcomed its newest group of budding solicitors as part of a pioneering legal apprenticeship scheme.

Reflecting the firm’s commitment to nurturing tomorrow’s legal minds, Veritas Solicitors has taken on five successful trainees onto the Level 7 Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship scheme.

Fully funded by the firm and the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), the program represents a significant step in the professional development of aspiring solicitors.

The selection process for the apprenticeship was highly competitive, with many applicants vying for a place. The successful candidates underwent a rigorous application and interview process to secure their spots.

The 30-month, distance learning apprenticeship is designed for individuals currently working in legal practices who hold a UK law bachelor’s degree (2.2 or above) or an LLB.

It aims to prepare students to become qualified solicitors, focusing on the Solicitor Qualifying Exams (SQE1 and SQE2) with the inclusion of one-on-one coaching, mock assessments, workshops, and resources from The University of Oxford and Datalaw.

Sean Humphries, a 2020 LLB graduate from Lancaster University, has been with the firm for 4 years. He initially worked in the RTA team and now sits in the Clinical Negligence team.

He said: “I’m over the moon. This is a profession I’ve always wanted to be in, having been inspired by a family member who is a solicitor. This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the firm’s support.”

Beatriz Garcia, who graduated from the University of Manchester in 2021 with a degree in Law and Politics, joined the firm in February 2022.

Originally from Madrid, Beatriz has progressed significantly within the Housing disrepair department, recently joining the firm’s pathway to litigation scheme. 

She said: “I am really excited to become a qualified solicitor. The support from the firm makes this journey more feasible than a traditional training contract. I am extremely thankful for this opportunity.”

Irene Nakedi, originally from Botswana, began her career as a nurse in Southampton before transitioning to law. She graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an LLB in 2016 and LLM in 2018, before joining the firm in June 2023. 

She said: “I was elated and very excited when I secured the apprenticeship. The firm values internal progression and truly helps its staff thrive. 

For me it’s all about making a difference to people’s lives- that’s why I got into the law and that’s what I want to continue doing as a solicitor.”

Samrah Rahim is a 2020 graduate of the University of Salford with a degree in Law with Criminology, who joined the firm in January 2023. She expressed her gratitude, noting: “The SQE is a challenging route to qualification, but the support at Veritas makes it manageable. I’m really grateful for this opportunity, and I know my family, including my grandma, are very proud of me.”

The final member of the cohort is Mia McBrearty, a 2021 Law graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. She joined the firm 2 years ago and currently works in the Housing Disrepair litigation team.

She said: “I have learned so much since coming here, and it is great to have seen the firm’s growth in that time. I am very grateful for this opportunity and hope to make the firm proud by qualifying as a solicitor in 30 months.”

Faraz Fazal, Managing Partner of Veritas Solicitors, said: “This apprenticeship program underscores our commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. We are proud to support these talented individuals on their journey to becoming qualified solicitors.

This program not only equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge but also instils confidence to tackle the Solicitor Qualifying Exams. We are proud to champion their aspirations and are confident that they will contribute significantly to the legal profession.”